James Earns Conference Honor

Published September 3rd, 2008

Gator football sophomoreÂ running backÂ Brandon James has been named the Southeastern Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, the league office announced Tuesday. The recognition marks the second time that James has received the special teams nod, collecting the honor in 2007 following the Gators' 59-20 win over Tennessee. James collected 121 all-purpose yards, including 95 on punt returns, in Florida's 56-10 victory over Hawaii on Saturday. He recorded his third career punt return for a touchdown on a 74-yard return and is now one touchdown short of UF's school record for punt returns for a TD (four) held by Jacquez Green. The 74-yard return tied for the fourth-longest return by any player in the nation. He averaged 23.0 yards per punt return, with four returns on the afternoon. James also served as a gunner on special teams, recording one solo tackle after running 60-yards downfield. In addition to his performance on special teams, James recorded his first career rushing touchdown on a one-yard rush giving him two touchdowns on the day. He is one of two players nationally to return a punt for a TD and rush for a TD on the opening weekend of college football